One week later—
The Eastern Palace stood beneath the quiet embrace of early spring.
It was the first place in the capital to welcome the season. Peach blossoms had fully bloomed now, their soft petals drifting endlessly through the air, carried by a gentle breeze that no longer held winter's bite.
The courtyard was no longer still.
Servants moved back and forth in careful order, carrying chests, silks, and ornaments. The once peaceful residence was now filled with quiet urgency—every movement measured, every sound restrained, as if even the walls understood what this day meant.
Inside the chambers—
The sound of rustling silk and wooden chests echoed softly.
Clothes were being folded. Jewelry boxes opened and closed. Servants moved in silence—careful, precise, aware of the weight in the air.
But not all remained quiet.
Mei Yi slammed a folded robe slightly harder than necessary into the chest.
"This is nonsense!" she burst out, unable to hold back any longer.
Ying immediately glanced towards the doors before lowering her voice.
"Mei Yi, be careful."
But Mei Yi turned, frustration clear on her face.
"How can I be careful at a time like this?!"
Her voice trembled not with fear, but anger.
"They are sending Her Highness like a peace offering—like a gift to the Lin Empire!"
Ying's hands stilled briefly as she folded a robe.
Her expression remained composed, but her voice carried weight.
"It is not that simple."
Mei Yi scoffed
"Not simple? Then what is it?"
Ying looked at her, eyes steady.
"It is political."
A pause
"A war avoided is often valued more than a war won."
Mei Yi shook her head immediately.
"But we could win!"
Her voice rose again.
"The Crown Princess trained the troops herself! She studied military affairs day and night, she even lead our army to won every battlefield with her strategies—she strengthened the army—."
Her fists clenched.
"We were not weak anymore!"
Silence fell a moment.
Ying did not argue this time.
Because it was true
"The soldiers trust her," Mei Yi continued, her voice softer now but filled with emotion.
"They followed her commands… they believed in her."
"And now?"
She looked toward the open chest.
"All of that… is just thrown away?"
Ying lowered her gaze slightly.
"…The Emperor does not act without reason."
But even she knew—
That reason did not always mean fairness.
Outside, beneath the blooming peach tree—
Yu Shayue sat in stillness.
Dressed in the refined elegance of Han court attire, she wore a flowing ruqun—a long, high-waisted skirt paired with a soft inner robe, the fabric layered delicately over one another. The outer robe, light as mist, draped from her shoulders in smooth lines, its long sleeves cascading like water with every subtle movement.
Her robes were a pale shade—soft ivory touched with faint blush, like the first bloom of spring—yet along the edges ran intricate embroidery of gold-threaded phoenix patterns, a mark of her royal status.
A wide silk sash was tied just beneath her chest, accentuating her posture—straight, composed, unyielding.
Her hair was half-up in a traditional style, secured with an elegant gold hairpin shaped like a phoenix, while the rest fell smoothly down her back like dark silk.
No excessive ornaments, no unnecessary display.
Everything about her appearance was refined—controlled.
Just like her.
But appearance were deceiving
The long sleeves of her robe rested quietly at her wrists.
Her fingers held a porcelain cup.
Still
Unmoving
Her eyes—
Calm
Sharp
Unyielding
She had heard everything.
Peace…
The word echoed in her mind, hollow.
Peace built on sacrifice is not peace.
Her gaze shifted slightly towards the distant palace walls.
The army was ready.
The strategies were complete.
Victory… was not impossible.
And yet—
She was being sent away.
Not as a commander
Not as a leader.
But as a solution
A piece
Her fingers tightened slightly around the teacup.
So this is Father's answer…
A faint breath escaped her lips.
Not anger
Not sorrow
Something far more controlled.
Very well…
Her eyes darkened, just slightly.
Then I will not be their sacrifice…
The wind stirred, carrying falling petals across the courtyard.
…I will be the reason they regret this choice.
To Be Continued....